German Warships Focus on Securing Sea Lanes in the Indo-Pacific, According to Admiral

By Josh Smith

INCHEON, South Korea – A rare deployment of two German warships in the Indo-Pacific region aims to reaffirm a commitment to open navigation, according to Rear Admiral Axel Schulz, who leads the naval task force. However, he did not confirm whether the ships would transit the contested Taiwan Strait.

"Safe and secure sea lanes, particularly from Southeast Asia to Europe and America, are essential for the economic prosperity of all our nations," Admiral Schulz remarked during a speech on the frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg, which was docked in Incheon.

When asked if the task force would navigate through the Taiwan Strait en route to Manila, Schulz stated that revealing their plans would compromise operational security.

While the U.S. and other nations have recently sent warships through the narrow strait, this would mark the German navy’s first passage through since 2002.

China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, which operates as a democratically governed entity, and asserts jurisdiction over the approximately 110-mile waterway that separates the two. Taiwan disputes these claims, insisting that its future is solely in the hands of its people.

"The overarching goal of this mission is to reaffirm Germany’s dedication to a rules-based international order, while also fostering collaboration and exchanging ideas with partners and allies to prevent potential conflicts," Schulz stated.

The frigate and its accompanying support vessel are engaged in various military exercises and are actively monitoring sanctions against North Korea.

Last month, Germany joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command in South Korea, which helps maintain security along the heavily fortified border with North Korea and has pledged to defend South Korea in the event of a conflict.

Additionally, North Korea and Russia have signed a mutual defense agreement this year, leading to accusations from the United States and its allies that Pyongyang is supplying arms to Russia for use in Ukraine.

"What occurs in Russia and Ukraine has direct implications for South Korea," said Georg Schmidt, the German Ambassador to South Korea. "Similarly, developments in North Korea have repercussions for Germany."